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 *dence! I wouldn't have asked you to leave him, dear. I could have helped you."

"I was afraid," she repeated, doubtfully. "I was afraid—of myself!"

"Do you know, dear," he asked, a little later, "that this is Christmas Day?"

"I had quite forgotten it!" she exclaimed, in surprise.

"And so had I," he answered. "But now, with my Christmas present in my arms, I can't very well help remembering. How do you like being a Christmas present?"

"I—I like it," she murmured. "Only—only I don't think I am very much of a one."

"The best man ever had, my Princess!" he answered, softly.

"Princess?" she asked. "Was that